Congolese and Burundian refugees fleeing political persecution, as well as economic and social unrest, continue to cross into Rwanda. More than 126,700 refugees were in Rwanda as at February 2023, with 91% of them living in refugee camps. Continued political instability and social unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo may lead to more arrivals.
By May 2022, half of the refugee households in Rwanda did not have a source of livelihood. The majority of refugee households with a means of livelihood take part in casual labour opportunities and small enterprises, earning insufficient income to meet their needs. In February 2023, Rwanda’s inflation rate was 30.3%, up from 4.2% in February 2022. Given the rising prices of food and other basic items, only 12% of refugee households earn sufficient income to meet all their basic needs.
Agriculture is central to Rwanda’s economy, and 62% of Rwandan households rely on farming. El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) causes frequent floods in Rwanda, affecting farming activities and increasing the risk of the transmission of diseases, such as malaria and cholera.
(UNHCR accessed 28/02/2023, UNHCR 15/02/2023, UNHCR/WFP 14/03/2023, FEWS NET 09/03/2023, WB accessed 17/03/2023)
Congolese and Burundian refugees fleeing political persecution, as well as economic and social unrest, continue to cross into Rwanda. More than 126,700 refugees were in Rwanda as at February 2023, with 91% of them living in refugee camps. Continued political instability and social unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo may lead to more arrivals.
By May 2022, half of the refugee households in Rwanda did not have a source of livelihood. The majority of refugee households with a means of livelihood take part in casual labour opportunities and small enterprises, earning insufficient income to meet their needs. In February 2023, Rwanda’s inflation rate was 30.3%, up from 4.2% in February 2022. Given the rising prices of food and other basic items, only 12% of refugee households earn sufficient income to meet all their basic needs.
Agriculture is central to Rwanda’s economy, and 62% of Rwandan households rely on farming. El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) causes frequent floods in Rwanda, affecting farming activities and increasing the risk of the transmission of diseases, such as malaria and cholera.
(UNHCR accessed 28/02/2023, UNHCR 15/02/2023, UNHCR/WFP 14/03/2023, FEWS NET 09/03/2023, WB accessed 17/03/2023)
